Prizren Fortress

Above the city, above the centuries. Discover the history, legends and stunning views of the Prizren Fortress.

Plan your visit

Visitor info

Opening hours of the site: Monday – Sunday, 08:00 – 17:00

*Check page "Your visit > Exhibitions" to see information about the Museum hours.

Tickets: Free entrance

Location: Above the old town of Prizren

For group visits & events: prizren.fortress@gmail.com

*Information may be adjusted according to season and conservation work.

Discover Prizren Fortress

Prizren Fortress is one of the most important archaeological and historic sites in Kosovo – a hilltop settlement shaped by more than 3,500 years of human presence, from prehistory and Illyrian–Dardanian cultures to Roman, Byzantine, medieval and Ottoman periods.

Guided tours & events

Arrange guided tours for schools, groups and visitors.

Opening hours

Check regular opening times and public holiday closures.

Visitor information

Access, safety, facilities and rules for visitors.

Exhibitions

Learn about the permanent archaeological exhibition.

History

Explore the long history of the fortress and the city.

Schools

Information for school classes and educational groups.

Current exhibition

Permanent exhibition

Permanent Archaeological Exhibition

The Archaeological Museum of the Prizren Fortress presents artefacts discovered on the hill, from the Eneolithic and Iron Age to Illyrian–Dardanian, Roman, Byzantine, medieval and Ottoman periods.

The exhibition is located inside the main building of the fortress and can be visited during regular opening hours.

Location:
Inside the main building of Prizren Fortress

Opening hours:
Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 – 15:00

Updates on temporary exhibitions will be published on this website.

Plan your visit

Getting here

The fortress is reached by foot from the historic centre of Prizren. Marked paths start from Shadervan Square and the Marash neighbourhood. The walk takes around 10–15 minutes uphill.

Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Opening hours & tickets

Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 – 15:00

Sunday & Monday: closed

Tickets: Entry to Prizren Fortress and the Archaeological Museum is currently free of charge.

Group & school visits

School classes and organised groups are kindly asked to arrange their visits in advance so that the site and museum can be prepared and guided programmes organised.

Contact the Fortress Manager:
veron.tara@rks-gov.net

A fortress through the ages

The hill of Prizren Fortress preserves traces of many different periods. A short overview of its long history:

c. 3500–2500 BCE

Prehistoric beginnings

First settlement on the hill during the Eneolithic (Copper Age), followed by Bronze and Iron Age layers.

Roman & Late Antique

Theranda and the crossroads

The Illyrian town of Theranda grows near the hill, which becomes a fortified point protecting important routes.

6th century

Byzantine Petrizen

Procopius writes about the fortress of Petrizen, rebuilt under Emperor Justinian I in the province of Dardania.

Middle Ages

Medieval stronghold

The fortress is the armed acropolis of Prizren, with strengthened walls, towers and inner divisions.

15th–19th century

Ottoman garrison

Used as a major military base with artillery, armoury and later a prison, before being gradually abandoned in the 20th century.

1969–today

Archaeology & heritage

Excavations, conservation and new interpretation projects transform the fortress into a key cultural heritage site and visitor destination.

Institutions

Several institutions share responsibility for the protection, research and daily management of Prizren Fortress.

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MKRS)

Primary authority

MKRS is the main authority responsible for the protection, management and strategic development of Prizren Fortress as a cultural heritage site of national importance.

Archaeological Institute of Kosovo

Acting Director: U.D. Zana Rama

The Institute leads archaeological research, documentation and conservation planning for the site, in cooperation with national and local partners.

Contact: zana.rama@rks-gov.net

Prizren Fortress Manager

Veron Tara

The site manager coordinates daily operations, visitor access, monitoring, maintenance and the implementation of the management plan.

Contact: veron.tara@rks-gov.net

Plan your visit

Whether you come for the view, the history, the archaeology or a cultural event, Prizren Fortress is a place to explore, learn and reflect above the city.

Plan your visit For group visits & schools: veron.tara@rks-gov.net